What Fails a Home Inspection in Texas? 7 Key Deal Breakers
Things That Fail Home Inspections
When it’s time to sell your home in Texas, passing a home inspection is a critical step. Unfortunately, many homeowners are surprised by the number of things that can fail a home inspection. Whether you're selling through a real estate agent or to a cash home buyer in Texas, understanding what inspectors look for can help you avoid common pitfalls. At Tx Home Buying Pros, we buy houses in Texas as-is, so even if your home inspection fails, you can still sell your house fast.
Below are the 7 most common issues that can cause a home to fail a Texas home inspection, along with tips on how to handle them.
1. Pest Infestations
Pest infestations are one of the leading causes that can fail a home inspection. Insects like termites and carpenter ants, as well as rodents, can cause structural damage that may go unnoticed until the inspection. Inspectors check for signs such as wood damage, droppings, nests, and moisture buildup—key indicators of an active or past infestation.
In Texas, pest problems are particularly common due to the warm climate. Failing to address pest infestations can lead to structural damage that will almost certainly fail the inspection. Buyers often walk away from deals involving termite damage, or they demand costly repairs.
2. Roofing Issues
The roof is one of the most expensive parts of a house to repair, making it a major focal point during a home inspection. Missing shingles, leaks, sagging areas, and poor drainage can cause a house to fail a home inspection. In Texas, extreme weather conditions like hail and heavy storms can accelerate roof damage.
If an inspector finds roof damage, most traditional buyers will either request repairs or back out of the deal. In many cases, roof repairs can cost thousands, causing your house to sit on the market. If you're looking to sell your house fast in Texas, consider working with a cash home buyer who can purchase your home as-is, regardless of the roof’s condition.
3. Plumbing and Drainage Problems
Plumbing failures and poor drainage are common culprits that fail a home inspection in Texas. Inspectors check for leaky pipes, low water pressure, faulty water heaters, and clogged drainage systems. Water damage from unresolved plumbing issues can lead to mold growth and structural damage—both of which are inspection deal breakers. Additionally, failing to meet Texas building codes can make the property ineligible for certain buyers and financing options.
4. Foundation Damage
In Texas, foundation issues are one of the most common reasons homes fail inspection. The state’s clay soil expands and contracts with changes in moisture, leading to cracks, uneven floors, and sticking doors. Inspectors check for sloping floors, large cracks, and visible structural damage—all signs that the foundation may need repair.
Foundation repairs are among the most expensive fixes and can quickly scare off potential buyers. If your house has visible cracks or uneven floors, it’s highly likely to fail the home inspection. Selling to a cash home buyer is often the best solution if you’re dealing with foundation problems, as they can purchase the property as-is.
5. Electrical System Failures
Outdated wiring, overloaded circuits, and faulty panels are all causes that can make your house fail a home inspection. In Texas, inspectors follow strict electrical codes, and any system that doesn't meet these standards is marked as a safety hazard..
6. Water Damage and Mold Growth
Water damage and mold are two more common reasons houses in Texas fail a home inspection. Inspectors thoroughly check basements, attics, and crawl spaces for signs of moisture and mold. Even small leaks can cause extensive damage over time.
Mold isn’t just a cosmetic issue—it can affect air quality and cause health risks. If mold is found during the inspection, the house will likely fail unless it’s professionally remediated. In humid Texas climates, mold growth is a frequent issue that can easily go unnoticed until an inspection.
7. Structural Problems
The final big-ticket item that can fail a home inspection is structural damage. This includes compromised load-bearing walls, sagging beams, and damage from pests or water. Structural issues go beyond cosmetic repairs; they affect the integrity and safety of the entire home.
If the home inspector finds evidence of structural damage, it’s almost a guaranteed inspection failure. Repair costs can be astronomical, leading many potential buyers to back out. However, cash home buyers often purchase properties with structural damage as-is, offering an alternative for homeowners looking to sell quickly.
How to Prepare for a Home Inspection in Texas
Want to avoid an inspection failure? Follow these steps before scheduling an inspector:
- Fix minor issues like leaks, cracked tiles, or loose railings.
- Clear debris from gutters and check for proper drainage.
- Address any pest problems ahead of time.
- Test all smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms.
- Repair or replace damaged roof shingles.
- Check for visible mold or mildew and have it removed.
What to Do If You Fail a Home Inspection
Even if your house fails the home inspection, you still have options:
- Negotiate repairs with the buyer.
- Offer a price reduction to offset repair costs.
- Sell your house as-is to a Texas cash home buyer who can close quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions About Home Inspections in Texas
Q: What is the biggest red flag in a home inspection?
In Texas, the biggest red flag in a home inspection is often foundation damage. The state’s shifting clay soil frequently causes cracks, uneven floors, and other structural issues that can fail a home inspection. When a home inspector finds serious foundation problems, it signals deeper structural concerns that could cost tens of thousands of dollars to fix, making it a common deal-breaker for buyers.
Q: What qualifies as a failed home inspection?
A home inspection is considered failed when significant safety hazards, building code violations, or major structural problems are discovered. In Texas, homes often fail inspections due to:
- Foundation damage
- Roof leaks or deterioration
- Faulty electrical systems
- Plumbing leaks or drainage issues
- Pest infestations
Any issue that affects the home’s safety, habitability, or structural integrity can lead to a failed inspection, making it harder to sell through traditional methods.
Q: What is a deal breaker in a home inspection?
Major structural issues are the most common deal breakers during a home inspection. Buyers often back out if the inspection reveals:
- Foundation cracks or shifting
- Extensive roof damage
- Mold growth or water damage
- Outdated electrical systems
In Texas, foundation and roofing issues are especially concerning due to the state’s extreme weather conditions. These problems can scare away buyers or force price reductions, complicating the sales process.
Q: What is the riskiest part of a home inspection?
The structural evaluation is the riskiest part of a home inspection. This includes checking:
- Foundation integrity
- Load-bearing walls
- Roof structure
- Support beams
In Texas, foundation issues are a major concern due to expansive clay soil that shifts with changing moisture levels. These soil movements can lead to cracks and structural instability, making the foundation a focal point during inspections.
Q: Why wouldn’t a house pass inspection?
A house can fail inspection for a variety of reasons, especially if there are:
- Structural problems (foundation cracks, sagging beams)
- Electrical hazards (faulty wiring or outdated panels)
- Plumbing issues (leaks, poor drainage, or water damage)
- Roof deterioration (missing shingles or leaks)
- Pest infestations (termites, rodents)
In Texas, foundation shifting, termite damage, and severe weather-related roof issues are among the top reasons homes don’t pass a home inspection.
Q: What percentage of home inspections fail?
Around 10-20% of homes experience major issues during the home inspection process that can derail a sale. In Texas, the most common reasons for failed inspections include:
- Foundation damage
- Severe roof issues
- Water damage and mold
- Electrical hazards
While minor issues are common, buyers are more likely to walk away when expensive repairs are needed. However, working with a cash home buyer in Texas allows you to sell your house as-is—even if it failed inspection.
Q: Can a house sell if it fails inspection?
Yes, you can still sell your house even if it fails the home inspection. Here are your options:
- Make necessary repairs and renegotiate with the buyer.
- Offer a lower selling price to account for needed fixes.
- Sell your house as-is to a Texas cash home buyer who can bypass the inspection process.
At [Your Company Name], we buy houses in Texas as-is, even if they’ve failed inspection, allowing you to skip costly repairs and close on your timeline.
Q: Who is liable if defects are found after a home inspection?
Liability depends on the nature of the defect:
- The home inspector may be responsible if they missed obvious issues during the inspection.
- The seller could be held liable if they knowingly concealed major defects.
- The buyer assumes responsibility if the defect was clearly disclosed in the inspection report.
In Texas, sellers are required to disclose known material defects, but buyers should still carefully review the inspection report for hidden concerns.
Q: What are considered major issues on a home inspection?
Major issues that commonly lead to failed home inspections include:
- Foundation damage
- Severe roof deterioration
- Electrical hazards
- Plumbing failures
- Mold and water damage
- Pest infestations
- Structural instability
In Texas, foundation damage and roofing problems are some of the most common reasons homes fail inspection, especially due to soil movement and weather extremes.
Want to Avoid a Failed Home Inspection?
If you're concerned about failing a home inspection or don’t want to deal with costly repairs, we can help. At Tx Home Buying Pros, we buy houses in Texas as-is, no matter the condition. Whether your house has foundation issues, mold, or roofing damage, we’ll make you a fair cash offer and close on your timeline.
📞 Call us today at 214-296-2343 or fill out our online form for a no-obligation cash offer.
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